Israel to Deepen Ties With South Sudan via Regional Business Chamber

(NAIROBI) — Israel has launched the East Africa–Israel Chamber of Commerce in Nairobi to strengthen trade and economic partnerships with East African nations, including South Sudan. The new chamber is expected to deepen cooperation in areas such as agriculture, energy, water, digital health, cybersecurity and financial technology.

The initiative, supported by the Israeli government, aims to build a connected business environment that promotes growth and innovation across the region. Countries expected to benefit include Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Malawi, Seychelles, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

“There are many opportunities in this region. This is an important one. We look forward to bridging technology with finance,” said Michael Lotem, the Israeli Ambassador to Kenya.

He highlighted East Africa’s young and growing population as a key driver for digital transformation and emerging market opportunities.

Pauline Arunga, Economic Affairs Officer at the Israeli Embassy in Nairobi, said the chamber would be a central link for improving business cooperation between Israel and the wider region.

“It will be a catalyst to boost trade between Kenya and Israel, and also a platform for business connection throughout Africa,” she said.

Frank Mwiti, Chief Executive Officer of the Nairobi Securities Exchange, who played a role in developing the chamber, stressed the need for a regional focus.

“The opportunities that exist go beyond Kenya to the greater East Africa region. We needed to create a chamber that speaks to the whole region,” he noted.

The chamber will provide market intelligence, investment guidance and advisory services to help businesses identify promising sectors and prepare for cross border expansion.

It is also expected to serve as a strategic platform to attract investment and foster trade between East Africa and Israel, as part of Israel’s wider diplomatic and commercial engagement with Africa.

The East Africa–Israel Chamber of Commerce builds on the earlier Africa–Israel Chamber of Commerce (AICC), which worked to promote pan-African trade relations with Israel. Unlike the broader AICC, the new chamber is tailored to address East Africa’s specific business conditions, demographics and sectoral needs, especially in connecting young people to innovation and trade.